Arieluma, Player. We've found the source of the contamination in the forest.

Player: "Yes? Go on."

It's near the Altar of the Crimson Dragon.

Sanctum ordered us to focus on the Contaminated Swamp, and they sent an expert to help us.

Yesterday he left to take a water sample, and I haven't seen him since.

Player: "Can I help?"

I'm hoping you can find him. His name is Lepios, and he planned to go via the Frillneck Woods, so he may be somewhere between there and the Tolbas Village.

I hope nothing has happened to him....

Player: "I'll find him."

Thank you, Daeva--you're a blessing from Ariel herself!

I came out here to investigate the contamination, but a Tiny Arachna bit my leg. It didn't seem like much of a wound, but now I can barely walk.

Player: "Geolus sent me to find you."

I guess he was worried when he didn't hear back from me.

I got my samples. Can you get them to Geolus and tell him what happened?

Player: "We can go together."

It's important that he analyze these samples quickly, and I'll just hold you up.

I'll head back myself as soon as my leg's better.

Player: "I'll get these to Geolus."

This seems to be a very powerful poison, but my knowledge is insufficient to analyze it.

I could figure it out if I had a copy of the "Guide to Rare Poisons."

Player: "Where can we find it?"

There are very few copies in existence. The Library of the Sages at Sanctum has a copy.

The contamination is spreading fast. We need to know what we're dealing with, and we need an antidote. With the help of that book, we'd have both.

Player: "What can I do to help?"

I'm so glad you asked! I need someone to go to the Library of the Sages and ask Dimos to lend me the Illustrated Guide to Superior Poisons.

Then if you'll take this Contaminated Water Sample to the Protectors Hall, and talk to Jumentis, it would be a great favor. He knows much of poisons.

Thank you, Player. May the Five protect you.

Player: "May the shadows never find you."

Cough, cough...!

Ah, hello. What can I do for you?

Player: "The 'Guide to Rare Poisons.'"

That old thing? Ha! Nobody's checked that out in years. There are many recent books that are probably more accurate.

But if you insist, here's our copy. Keep it.

Player: "Thanks!"

Greetings, friend. What brings you here?

Player: "I brought you this."

This water has been contaminated by a very strong poison.

Where did you get this sample?

Player: "It all started in Verteron..."

A shocking story, to be sure. Quintus must see this right away.

Go out the eastern door of Artisans Hall and look for him on the Divine Road.

Player: "I'll find him."

Jumentis sent you, eh? How can I help you?

Player: "He said you should see this."

This water is badly contaminated. Give me a moment to isolate the contaminant. When I know what it is, I may be able to help.

Player: "I'll wait."

By Ariel's light! This is Meslamtaeda's Blood...

Well, strictly speaking it's a substance by that name. My old friends Kato and Garnis first made this and named it after the Crimson Dragon Lord of the Balaur. They used to research potions at the Temple of Freedom.

Meslamtaeda's Blood was an experiment gone wrong, I'm afraid. It was highly addictive and caused mutations. But my friends didn't know that until it was too late.

Player: "What happened?"

Kato and Garnis were studying in Verteron when they took the potion. When Sanctum found out...they were banished.

When Lady Yustiel heard the news, she made an antidote, but by then Kato and Garnis couldn't be found. I suspect they had already mutated....

The antidote is still at the Lyceum. Fetch it, and I'll make something to solve this contamination problem.

Here is a letter of introduction. Present it to Hygea at the Lyceum.

Player: "I will. Thank you."

Quintus sent you? Why?

Player: "This letter should explain."

Oh, yes. I remember what happened to Kato and Garnis. It's a tragic story, is it not?

And now their experiments are having serious consequences, it seems.

Player: "To put it mildly."

This is called Yustiel's Tear. It's the antidote to the poison that contaminated the water in Verteron.

I believe this is the solution to your problem. Ariel's light be with you.

Player: "And with you."

Player! You're back!

Did you bring the book?

And did you learn anything else about the poison?

Player: "It's a very long story..."

I see. Banished from Sanctum--heartbreaking.

And of course there won't be an entry in the "Guide to Rare Poisons," but at least we have the antidote. I'll make the potion now.

Player: "I'll wait."

It's done. Take this to the Contaminated Swamp, and find the place where the toxicity is the strongest.

If you apply the potion to the source, it should completely neutralize the contamination. Be careful to find exactly the right place.

When you're done, make a report to Brigade General Spatalos.

Player: "For Elysea!"

Did you use the antidote in the wrong place? Ah well, that was always a possibility.

This time, you must find where the toxicity is the strongest--that will be the source.

I'll make you some more--it won't take long....

Here you go. I wish you success this time.

Player: "Thank you. I'll find the right place."

What happened at the Contaminated Swamp?

You haven't used the antidote yet?

If we don't act soon, the contamination will spread out of control. Please! Hurry!

Player: "I'll go right now."

Ah! What...?

Was that me? I was a monster?!

I remember now.... That potion we made...it was a curse!

Player: "Who are you?"

I am Kato. I don't expect you to understand, but it was a potion that made me into a monster. Garnis and I made it--we had no idea how destructive it would be.

The Seraphim Lords expelled us from Sanctum. Garnis was terribly bitter about it. He disappeared one day--I haven't seen him since.

I tried to formulate an antidote, but before I could finish it...I was...transformed.

Player: "How terrible!"

If only it had ended there! But then the poison that had accumulated in my body started to leach out into the forest. And there was nothing I could do to stop it.

Take this journal I made before my transformation--perhaps my notes will be of some use to you. I owe you so much for freeing me, Daeva!

Player: "Ariel's light, friend."

Tell me about your investigation into the contamination in Tolbas Forest.

Did you learn the cause of it?

Player: "It started with two young men and a dream..."

That's a sad story, all right. I'm glad it turned out as well as it did.

You did a good job. I'd given up hope of ever sorting that one out.